Hyundai releases the first rendering image of its new i40 sedan, ahead of the world premiere at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show on May 12th.

The launch of the i40 sedan follows the global reveal of the i40 wagon at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year. The i40 sedan will be the latest model to be unveiled under the company’s new brand slogan – ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’

The i40 sedan boasts a purely European identity having been designed and engineered at the European R&D headquarters of Hyundai in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and represents the next evolution of the company’s unique design language, ‘fluidic sculpture’.

The ‘fluidic sculpture’ design DNA utilises flowing lines inspired by nature to create a dynamic exterior, and was introduced on the Hyundai ix-onic concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Since this debut, ‘fluidic sculpture’ has been the design inspiration behind all new Hyundai models, such as the award-winning ix35 and ix20.

The design concept key words for the i40 sedan are ‘modern flow’ and ‘premium wing,’ all evolving from the fluidic sculpture philosophy. Hyundai designers wanted to emphasize on creating fluidic volume with a modern touch as well as a sophisticated wing-like detail.

“We have used very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give i40 a distinctive appearance,” commented Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. “We wanted to move away from the typical three-box sedan and create a car that was in keeping with the sporty nature of the i40 wagon. By sculpting a low, elongated roof line, we’ve given the i40 sedan a striking coupe-like silhouette,” he added.

The i40 sedan not only benefits from attractive styling, but also retains high levels of interior comfort, with a wheelbase measuring 2.77 meters and delivering best-in-class dimensions for front head (1025mm), shoulder (1455mm), and leg (1170mm) room.

“While the exterior of the i40 sedan stands out for its fluidic form and distinctive appearance, the interior has been shaped to deliver practicality and comfort to the driver and passengers in a high-quality package,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The launch of the sedan represents the next step of the i40’s introduction to the European market, following the very positive reception for the i40 wagon. The i40 sedan shares the same qualities present in the wagon, including a dynamic design element, and broadens the appeal of the i40 to buyers in the D-segment.

The world premiere of the all-new i40 sedan at the Hyundai stand will take place in Hall 8 at the Montjuic Exhibition Centre at 12:20 (CET) on Thursday 12th May 2011.